Becoming a Medical Marijuana Patient in Maryland

If you’re interested in becoming an approved medical marijuana patient in Maryland, the following steps will guide you through the process. We’re excited about the launch of medical marijuana in Maryland and we look forward to serving you at the dispensary. We’ll update our resources as we get closer to opening the doors at our facility. Qualifying Medical ConditionsAccording to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), physicians may approve patients for medical cannabis if their health situation meets the following criteria:​”Any condition that is severe, for which other medical treatments have been ineffective, and if the symptoms “reasonably can be expected to be relieved” by the medical use of Cannabis. In addition, if the patient has a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that causes severe loss of appetite, wasting, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures or severe or persistent muscle spasms, or glaucoma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).​”This means your physician has broad discretion to evaluate your condition and determine whether to approve you as a medical marijuana patient. Eligibility If you have a qualifying medical condition and you live in Maryland or are in the state to receive medical treatment, you are eligible to participate in the Medical Cannabis Program. Patients under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian register as a caregiver. Patient RegistrationThe first step to becoming an approved medical marijuana patient is registering with the MMCC. Here are a few things you’ll need to get started:1. A working email address and access to your email account 2. The last 4 digits of your social security number3. A scanned copy of your government-issued photo ID4. Proof of Maryland residency 5. A scanned 2”x2” passport-style photo showing your head and shouldersOnce you have your materials prepared, you can begin the online registration here:Patient Registration FormYou will receive a patient ID number when your registration is complete. You’ll need to know your patient ID number when visiting your physician and the dispensary. Physician CertificationAfter you’ve registered for the program, the next step is to obtain your physician certification. You’ll need to be approved by a Maryland-licensed physician who is registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission. If your physician hasn’t registered with the program yet, they may do so by following these instructions and completing the form:Physician Registration FormWhen discussing medical cannabis with your physician, it’s important to be honest about your health situation and why you believe this treatment option will be beneficial for you. If your physician is unwilling to approve you as a medical marijuana patient, you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor. If you establish a physician-patient relationship with a new physician, they may approve you for the program.CaregiversA caregiver is a trusted individual who the patient designates to make dispensary visits on their behalf. Each patient may appoint up to 2 caregivers and each caregiver may assist up to 5 patients. If you wish to appoint a caregiver, the person(s) you choose must register with the MMCC:Caregiver Registration FormOnce your caregiver is registered, you may add them by logging into the MMCC website and adding their caregiver ID number to your account.
PurchasingOnce you’ve registered on the MMCC website and received your physician certification, your patient registration is complete. When visiting a Maryland dispensary, you’ll need to provide your government-issued photo ID and patient ID number. The dispensary will verify your registration with the MMCC, so you do not need a physical Maryland medical marijuana card. Patients who would like to receive a printed medical marijuana card may request one for a $50 fee.